Christmas Day is just around the corner. It is time to start making a gift list for friends, family, neighbors and coworkers that won’t break the bank. Fortunately, edible gifts carefully packaged in hand decorated wrapping are a Christmas staple and can help you stay on budget. To survive the season with a cheerful spirit and money in the bank, we’ve put together a list of crowd-pleasing Christmas recipes for desserts that are absolutely delicious, easy to make and budget-friendly. From decadent truffles to chocolate bonbon pops, these Christmas recipes for desserts are sure to delight everyone on your list.
No-bake desserts
Oreo Cookie Truffles
These delectable little morsels only have three ingredients and are deceptively easy to make. Factor in a little mid-prep refrigeration time to ensure the cream cheese and Oreo cookie center sets properly. As a treat, dip the truffles in chopped nuts, sprinkles, toffee pieces or crushed candy canes before the white chocolate layer cools. Package the truffles in a decorative tin tied with a fancy ribbon to showcase your gift.
Snowman Cookie Balls
Everyone will love these adorable snowman delights. This no-bake recipe takes a little bit of decorating and prep time, but the laughter you get when delivering these silly snowmen makes it all worthwhile. Line the snowmen up in a single layer in small cardboard boxes lined with waxed paper to prevent sticking and tie the box with a curly ribbon.
Candied Candy Canes
This easy recipe makes for a delightful, budget-friendly gift that almost everybody can enjoy. It only takes minutes to coat the top of each candy cane in chocolate, decorative sugar or sprinkles. To make this holiday present even more special, wrap several candy canes in a cellophane bag tied with ribbon or twine and pair them with a cute mug and some hot chocolate mix.
Cookies in a jar
Homemade cookies in a jar make a great present for busy families and friends. Ingredients stay good for up to one month at room temperature. The cookies can be made whenever the time is right. Just layer the ingredients in a mason jar and cover the top with a piece of fabric tied with twine or a ribbon. Don’t forget to attach a recipe card with a list of ingredients and instructions.
Easy Caramel Cracker Candy
This unbelievably decadent recipe can be made in 15 minutes. Everyone will be grabbing these crunchy chocolate candy squares oozing with caramel that melt in your mouth. Once the dessert is cooled completely, the candy can be cut into squares and packaged in cellophane bags tied with ribbons or placed in a decorative tin. Make sure to use wax paper to separate the pieces and prevent sticking.
Holiday Chocolate Bonbon Pops
Chocolate Bonbon Pops make a wonderful gift during the holidays because it is simply impossible to resist a tiny piece of cake on a lollipop stick covered in melted chocolate, nuts, candy or sprinkles. This family-friendly, no-bake recipe only takes about 20 minutes to create. It does, however, take an additional 90 minutes to freeze the pops before they are ready to eat. Wrap each pop separately in a cellophane wrapper and tie with a colorful ribbon for holiday cheer. Tie the lollipop stems together for a floral bouquet effect and put them in a coffee mug.
Baked desserts
Pecan Pie Bars
Instead of taking a standard pecan pie as a gift to take to holiday parties, prepare individual pecan bars that are perfect for a crowd. This recipe takes a little more time, but these irresistible bars boast a buttery shortbread crust crowned by a delicious pecan topping, making it well worth the effort. Wrap each bar in parchment paper tied with twine for an elegant look and store in an airtight container for up to three days. Pair these wonderful treats with a bag of coffee or seasonal tea for a lovely holiday gift.
Gingery Pear-Pecan Cookies
Baked goods are always a welcome gift. This mouthwatering cookie featuring dried pears with ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg is no exception. This unusual dessert is light and refreshing with a dose of holiday spices that pair perfectly with a hot cup of tea. For packaging, consider finding an ornament gift box and alternate the cookies with holiday ornaments. Or, arrange the cookies in a single, tall stack in a clear cellophane bag tied with a ribbon and card atop.
Gluten-free and dairy-free dessert
Candied Ginger
This gluten-free, dairy-free homemade ginger candy is the perfect gift for someone with dietary restrictions. With just four ingredients, this candied ginger recipe is easy to make and works as an irresistible treat and ingredient in several delicious cocktails. Boil sugar water and immerse the ginger for close to an hour before cooling. To package for gifting, place the ginger in a four -ounce jar and decorate with handcrafted labels and/or creative hanging tags. The ginger can be stored for up to one month in the refrigerator.
Whichever you choose, these budget-friendly, scrumptious Christmas recipes for desserts are sure to please and provide your friends, family, neighbors and coworkers with a thoughtful holiday gift made from the heart.